Bedrock and Gold: The mysteries . . .

[Lanny in AB]

Do you love to chase the gold? Please join me--lots of gold hunting tips, stories of finds (successful and not), and prospecting poetry.

Nugget in the bedrock tip:

I had a visit with a mining buddy this past weekend, and he told me of an epic battle to get a nugget out of the bedrock, and of what he learned from the experience. I thought some of you might like to learn from his mistake.

While out detecting one day, he came across a large sheet of bare bedrock. The bedrock was exposed because the area had been blasted off with a water cannon (a monitor), by the old-timers! It was not fractured bedrock, in fact it was totally smooth.

He was not optimistic at all of the prospects of a nugget. But, for some reason (we've all been there) he decided to swing his detector over that bedrock. After a long time, just as he was about to give up on his crazy hunch, he got a signal, right out of that smooth bedrock.

There was no crevice, no sign of a crevice, nada! So, he had to go all the way back to camp to get a small sledge and a chisel. The signal in the rock intrigued him, but he still wasn't overly optimistic. For those of you that have chased signals in a similar situation, sometimes there's a patch of hot mineralization in the bedrock that sounds off, but this spot, according to him, was sharp and clear right in the middle of the signal, not just a general increase of the threshold like you get when you pass over a hot spot in the bedrock.

Anyway, he made it back to the spot and started to chisel his way into the bedrock. If any of you have tried this, it's an awful job, and you usually wind up with cut knuckles--at the least! Regardless, he kept fighting his way down, busting out chunks of bedrock. He kept checking the hole, and the signal remained very strong.

This only puzzled him all the more as he could clearly see that it was solid bedrock with no sign of any crevice. He finally quit at the end of the day, at a depth of about a foot, but still, nothing in the hole.

An experienced nugget shooting friend dropped by the next morning to see him, and asked him how the hunt was going. My buddy related his tale of the mysterious hole in the bedrock, and told the friend to go over and check it out, and see if he could solve the riddle.

Later in the day, the other nugget hunter returned. In his hand was a fine, fat, sassy nugget. It weighed in at about an ounce and a quarter! After my friend returned his eyeballs to their sockets and zapped his heart to start it again, he asked where the nugget had come from.

Imagine his surprise when he heard it came from the mystery hole!! He asked how deep the other guy had gone into the bedrock to get it. "Well, no deeper" was his reply.

So, here's the rest of the story as to what happened. When the successful nugget hunter got to the bedrock, he scanned the surface got the same strong signal as my buddy. He widened out the hole and scanned again. Still a solid tone. He widened the hole some more so he could get his coil in, and here's the key and the lesson in this story, he got a strong signal off the side of the hole, about six inches down, but set back another inch into the side of the bedrock!!

My unlucky friend, the true discoverer of the gorgeous nugget's resting place had gone deep past the signal while digging his hole!!

Now, of course, a good pinpointer would easily solve this problem. The problem was, my buddy didn't have one, so why would he widen the hole, right? Well, the other guy was the one with more experience, and that's why he did. It was a lot more work, but what a payoff!

So, my buddy's butt is still black and blue from where he kicked himself for the next week or so for having lost such an incredible prize.

Some nugget hunting lessons are harder than others to learn. . . .

All the best,

Lanny


P.S. When in gold country--check the bedrock, regardless of whether it looks likely or not! Mother Nature likes to play games sometimes.

 

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[Lanny in AB]

Good luck on the Merced Eagle. Let us know what happened on your outing.

All the best,

Lanny

 

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[Lanny in AB]

A post for the Rookies:

Now is the time to be in the hills watching where the high water/flood waters are running. By watching where the high water cuts into the banks/hammers into the bedrock, you'll be able to see where the suction eddies form at high water. And, wherever those suction eddies form, the gold will drop.

One season when we were dredging, I recalled where there was a huge suction eddy that we'd spotted in the Spring. The river slammed into the bedrock and cut back on itself for about fifteen feet. Logs got caught in the eddy, and anything else that came whistling down the river.

So, reflecting on those earlier observations, and after I shut the dredge down for the day, I swam over (with snorkel and mask fitted) to where that eddy had been boiling during high water. I picked two nuggets (around a gram each) right out of the bedrock where there was a small underwater ledge that formed a transition zone where the edge of the suction eddy met the main channel of the river during flood stage.

So, any time you get the chance to observe your favorite gold-bearing stream during flood stage--get out there. Draw diagrams/take pictures/shoot video/write notes, so you've got an accurate record of what the stream was doing when it was going full tilt. That way you'll know where to look for the gold when the stream is running low and slow.

All the best out there this season,

Lanny

 

[EagleDown]

Good luck on the Merced Eagle. Let us know what happened on your outing.

All the best,

Lanny

Thanks My Friend!!
To be sure I'll let you know, whether good or just ho-hum. (lol)

And I might add; excellent advice about watching high/flood waters. Also, normally dry gulches and washes. These might have water running through them very seldom. Once there is enough rain or sudden snow melt to start them flowing, a lot of materials can be moved around.

I also got an order in from my website, so I might be a day late arriving at the Merced River. (It always seems to happen when I least expect it). (lol)

Eagle

 

[Lanny in AB]

Eagle,

Good reminder about the normally dry gulches and washes. A lot of gold has been taken from them, and they should never be overlooked.

Thanks again, and all the best,

Lanny

 

[Lanny in AB]

To the Rookies:

The other nice thing about getting out in the early spring is that the foliage from the leaf-bearing trees is absent. This really allows you to have a much better view of terrain amongst the evergreens, in areas of mixed-wooded areas. This can be very beneficial as it lets the observer see features that are impossible to see when the area is camouflaged in its summertime fabric of leafy growth.

Last spring, I found ditches amongst the trees I'd never seen before. And, where the Oldtimer's dug ditches, they may have excavated through virgin ground and tossed up gold-bearing dirt that could produce a nugget or two.

However, in summer's growth, navigating through the trees is almost impossible, and having any kind of perspective as to what is really there is impossible, so get out in the springtime and truly see what's happening, and see what you're missing due to the summer's growth cycle.

A word of caution: in many gold-bearing areas in springtime, ticks are a concern. Take appropriate measures to protect yourself: spray lots of Deet around the bottom of your pants (some prospectors tuck their pants into heavy socks, denying ticks entry up the pant legs), and on your boots or shoes. As well, spray around your neckline and wrists. Moreover, when you're finished your tramp through the bush, check all bodily cracks and crevices, any areas of the body where there was pressure (around the waist where a belt was, for instance), and if possible, have another human being check the back of your neck, behind your ears, and the hair on your head. If you are alone, carefully feel through every part of your hair, the back of your neck, behind your ears, etc. Remember too that it's easy for ticks to hitch-hike on your clothing.

I remember one spring when my partner came out of the bush--he had a whole party of ticks riding on his jacket--you can never be too careful, especially now that tick-borne disease is on the rise.

All the best,

Lanny

 

[EagleDown]

Good advice as always Lanny. I hope you don't mind if I add a little here.
There is a way to protect against contracting Lymes Disease.
I'm not allowed to say that this will cure anything, since it hasn't been approved by the FDA, so just let me say that it makes an excellent supplement to help overcome many things. The problem is that the Pharmiceutical Companies, along with the FDA are working hard to discredit this "supplement". But, I use it regularly and I haven't had even a cold in over 4 years now. (Since I found out about it).

Under normal usage, you can get enough to last about 1 year for only $12.95. (Includes S & H)
Being a "Medicine Man", I'm always on the watch for herbs and other things that will cure and enhanse our lifes and I wouldn't be without this supplement. Go to: www.freemiraclemineral.com and check it out.

Incidently, I don't suggest anything unless I've personally tried it and know that it works.

Everybody stay safe out there!!

Eagle

 

[Lanny in AB]

As always, thanks for your thoughtfulness Eagle.

All the best,

Lanny

 

[63bkpkr]

Yes Lanny, every now and then I get off a reasonable one. As always you've given some good advice to beginners as well as possibly others. For me and where I want to go the snow is too deep and so is the water. Not only is the water deep it is very deep, roaring, boulders are bouncing on the river bottom, big trees floating down river and the water is milk chocolate brown. That is, If I could get in past the snow this is what I would see. Got in one in February with water conditions like I described, awesome scene........63bkpkr

PS - the work goes well!

 

[Hemisteve]

Hi Lanny,
I have been following your thread for a while and thought I would chime in and say "thanks" for your time and effort keeping us informed and entertained.

Looking forward to more
Steve

 

[Lanny in AB]

Hi Lanny,
I have been following your thread for a while and thought I would chime in and say "thanks" for your time and effort keeping us informed and entertained.

Looking forward to more
Steve

Hey thanks Steve! It's always great to know the material is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to say hello.

All the best,

Lanny

 

[EagleDown]

Well, dog-gone, my product hasn't come in yet. So, I've decided to leave it to my helper to accept delivery, box and ship it when it is ready.

I will be leaving for the Merced Thursday morning. I don't care how many orders come in between now and then, they can just wait until I get back. (lol)

Once again, anyone who has the time and is interested are welcome to show up and I'll show you what I can, while you are there.

Eagle

 

[63bkpkr]

Awhile back in one of Gramps posts he talked about Agenda 21 and I said I was going to look into it. I have and I tried to post my "finds" but could not figure out how to get them on here. This evening driving home from work I heard a news story about some college giving classes in "Sustainable Living" and that is a Agenda 21 phrase. It brought my blood pressure up so I thought I'd try to post this.

I researched and Agenda 21 is real, it is here in America, it is part of a land grab as well as built to take away the rights of every Legal United States Citizen. Look it up, its on the internet. Agenda 21 is actually NOT legal in the U.S. as any state involving itself with it is making an agreement with a Foreign Entity to End the U.S. as we know it. This past weekend I met an Ex South Affrican who worked with the U.N. for about 4 years so I asked him about Agenda 21. He hung his head and said "don't even go there"! He explained that it is real and is aimed at doing what its charter says and it will end the United States of America. All living will be done where the World Government tells us to live and if you go where we are not supposed to go, that is out in the outdoors we will be jailed. No prospecting, metal detecting, panning, sluicing, dredging, nothing, nothing, nothing.

So there is my report but its nothing new to Lanny as he's seen it up his way. This country and free thinking people are in for a fight......63bkpkr

 

[gold nuggets]

I too, have done a little reading about Agenda 21 and do not like what it has to offer. It is not good for ANYONE that enjoys the outdoor activities, no matter what the activity. I truly believe that the American people will not get involved in an effort to stop Agenda 21 or similar legislation, until such action DIRECTLY effects them and/or their way to support their family. And by then, it may be too late to do much about it. Everyone is way too busy just trying to make enough money to stay alive to get involved......sad but true. And this is all part of the long range Master Plan to bring down the United States of America and make the people subserviant to those that make the rules and regulations. Big government is trying to keep the population stirred-up and broke while at the same time, introducing new ground-work to support the passage and acceptance of things like Agenda 21. This includes things like Federal land grabs, higher fees for miners with more regulations and hoops to jump through, restricting public land access and the list goes on and on.......you might just want to take the time to read Hefty1s post and see what they are doing to him....it ain't right and we need to fight things like this.... These are my own thoughts and opinions and I hope to get people thinking and doing something about it. Mining and prospecting is one of my passions and I for one, don't want to see it "go away" with the stroke of someone's pen. Thanks Lanny for letting me vent on your thread. Gold Nuggets

 

[Randyd]

Good advice as always Lanny. I hope you don't mind if I add a little here.
There is a way to protect against contracting Lymes Disease.
I'm not allowed to say that this will cure anything, since it hasn't been approved by the FDA, so just let me say that it makes an excellent supplement to help overcome many things. The problem is that the Pharmiceutical Companies, along with the FDA are working hard to discredit this "supplement". But, I use it regularly and I haven't had even a cold in over 4 years now. (Since I found out about it).

Under normal usage, you can get enough to last about 1 year for only $12.95. (Includes S & H)
Being a "Medicine Man", I'm always on the watch for herbs and other things that will cure and enhanse our lifes and I wouldn't be without this supplement. Go to: www.freemiraclemineral.com and check it out.

Incidently, I don't suggest anything unless I've personally tried it and know that it works.

Everybody stay safe out there!!

Eagle

Eagle, I take took that for an anti-malarial on advice of my Dr. (an ND), since the prescription one made me so sick. Google Jim Humble and MMS. He used to do a lot of mining in S.A.

 

[EagleDown]

Queeshtah Randyd!

Yes, I know Jim. A very sincere man who has dedicated a good part of his life to getting this to everyone. He has brought healing to (literally) hundreds of thousands of malaria and AIDS patients whom the doctors were unable to help, while dodging pharmacuetical companies and the FDA. He is unable to even live in the country of his birth because of his dedication to helping others.

I myself have given and sold (never for profit) MMS to many people suffering from a multitude of ailments, and have seen what could be viewed as miraculous recoveries. Incidently, you didn't say, but how is your malaria??

Love and Respect,

Eagle

 

[EagleDown]

Good luck on the Merced Eagle. Let us know what happened on your outing.

All the best,

Lanny

Halito Lanny and All,

I got back home Tues. evening. Had a great time! I was honored with visits from ShepCal and Goldenprospector. Two great detector enthusiasts who have a lot to teach. Well, at least I learned a lot from them. I now know what it sounds like to find gold in ore with my Whites MXT. Actually, I was quite amazed at the sensitivity of the MXT. Goldenprospector had several 2" X 1" pieces of ore that he had found on a tailings pile and let me check them out with my machine. He laid them on a cardboard box and the MXT picked up everyone of them. What was so amazing to me was; one of the pieces had a "speck" of gold that wasn't more than a 64th of an inch in diameter, and the machine detected it from about 6" above. Course, I know that an "air test" isn't the same as a field test, but, it really gave me more confidence in the abilty of the detector.

Now, in reference to your post, I thought I might show your readers why you recommend taking photos of different places while the water is high. (That is, if I can figure out how to upload the photo). (lol) I took this photo of a gold bearing bar last Sunday. I know that there's gold there, because I have found some 1/4oz to 1/2oz nuggets there in the past. (With no detector). This bar will totally dry with-in the next couple of months. Expect to see me there with my MXT!!

Edit: Incidentally, I should have added; That "white" in the far background is the main course of the river.

Eagle

 

[EagleDown]

Another example of denial of human rights!!

Halito Lanny and Friends,

I recieved an urgent letter today from Brian Bibb, the man who distributes MMS. I posted it on my thread at: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...-mariposa-ca-photos-added-68.html#post2770647
If yours (and mine), many wonderful readers value what freedom we have left, I recommend that you and they go to my thread and take a couple of minutes to read it. Personally, I know that Brian Bibb is a big hearted, sincere person who is trying to help people by introducing them to MMS. If you take time to check out the prices, you can see that he's not making much by getting it to us.

So please, even if you have no intention of ever using MMS, at least pass the information on. You never know, the life you save might be your own.

Love and Respect,

Eagle

 

[Lanny in AB]

Halito Lanny and All,

I got back home Tues. evening. Had a great time! I was honored with visits from ShepCal and Goldenprospector. Two great detector enthusiasts who have a lot to teach. Well, at least I learned a lot from them. I now know what it sounds like to find gold in ore with my Whites MXT. Actually, I was quite amazed at the sensitivity of the MXT. Goldenprospector had several 2" X 1" pieces of ore that he had found on a tailings pile and let me check them out with my machine. He laid them on a cardboard box and the MXT picked up everyone of them. What was so amazing to me was; one of the pieces had a "speck" of gold that wasn't more than a 64th of an inch in diameter, and the machine detected it from about 6" above. Course, I know that an "air test" isn't the same as a field test, but, it really gave me more confidence in the abilty of the detector.

Now, in reference to your post, I thought I might show your readers why you recommend taking photos of different places while the water is high. (That is, if I can figure out how to upload the photo). (lol) I took this photo of a gold bearing bar last Sunday. I know that there's gold there, because I have found some 1/4oz to 1/2oz nuggets there in the past. (With no detector). This bar will totally dry with-in the next couple of months. Expect to see me there with my MXT!!

Edit: Incidentally, I should have added; That "white" in the far background is the main course of the river.

Eagle

Eagle,

Thanks for the post--nice shot of the river, and I'm glad you had a good time and met some nice people. Some of the best "treasure" I've found over the years while out prospecting has been the wonderful like-minded people I've met--truly remarkable.

It's great that you were able to detect such small amounts of gold in the rock--that will probably give you some great ideas on where to go next, as you know a lot of locations that many others will never know about.

All the best, and for those of you that haven't taken the time to read Eagle's musings--head over for a peek. It's more than worth the time, many times over!

Lanny

 

[Lanny in AB]

Finally--the snow is making a rapid and hasty retreat. Of course, that much anticipated event means that soon I'll be back up in the mountains--doing what I love best--trying to solve the mystery of where Mother Nature's cached her gold.

For those of you new to the passion, there's a lot to learn this time of year if you're observant. You'll notice all kinds of things that will provide you tips on how to locate the gold later on in the season when the runoff ceases, and when the stream levels drop. Cruise back through this thread and carefully read some of the excellent tips that have been posted over the years by generous prospectors on how to find yourself some sassy gold!

All the best,

Lanny

 

[TerryC]

54000 views and counting! That means many are reading your post more than once. Ever thought of being a writer... proffessional, I mean? TTC